Christiaan Barnard celebrated in ‘Heartbreaker’ book, 50 years after the first successful heart transplant

One of South Africa's finest sons is being acknowledged for his pioneering work 50 years ago. Dr Barnard's contribution to modern medicine was monumental, and author James-Brent Styan is on a mission to remind everyone

Say whatever you like about this country, but it cannot be argued that some of the finest minds the world has ever seen come from South Africa. We’re talking about the likes of Nelson Mandela, Elon Musk, and our ‘Heartbreaker’, Dr Christiaan Barnard.

It is 50 years ago this week since the doctor from the Western Cape performed the first ever successful human heart transplant.

The procedure lead a medical revolution that ensured cardiac health problems were no longer a guaranteed death sentence. His pioneering work formed the blueprint for modern medical practices, and it is something James-Brent Styan – author of the upcoming Dr Barnard biography – wants to share with the world.

‘Heartbreaker: Christiaan Barnard and the First Heart Transplant’ tells the story of his rise to the peak of his profession, his groundbreaking approach, and the riveting details of his friendship with Hollywood actresses. It’s certainly got our blood pumping…

James-Brent Styan talks to us about ‘Heartbreaker’

What Dr Barnard achieved 50 years was so far ahead of its time. Can you summarise what seismic changes this procedure brought to the world of healthcare?

“Heart Disease according to the WHO has become the leading cause of death across the globe today. In 2015 an estimated 17.7 million people worldwide died of heart disease.

In South Africa alone, an estimated 210 people die of heart-related disease per day.

Christiaan Barnard’s work provided – and continues to provide – some hope to millions of people with extensive heart damage for who there would be no alternative but certain death. Surgeons can treat many forms of heart disease but patients with extensive heart damage have no hope other than a new heart. Barnard proved such a transplant was possible and provided a prolonged chance at life for millions since.”

What can readers expect to discover in your book? Obviously, we know it’s going to be biographical – but what can readers gain from enjoying a copy of Heartbreaker?

“It’s a rip-roaring adventure tale of a rural boy born into poverty who worked himself up to be the world’s best surgeon.

The book includes never before published photos and stories including Barnard’s radical visit to Moscow in 1960 – going behind the Iron Curtain to learn from the best Russian surgeons – a visit that incurred the wrath of the South African authorities at the time. The book addresses the roles of Barnard’s assistants, including Hamilton Naki and in the book I publish for the first time, the first known photos of a heart transplant being done. These photos were taken in secret and have never before been published.

In addition Heartbreaker is the story of Barnard’s friendships with famous filmstars like Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly. Most of all it is the retelling of the story of a truly brilliant South African.”

Fun Fact: Christiaan Barnard also performed the first kidney transplant

People know Dr Barnard for his heart transplants. But what other amazing achievements did he accomplish in his medical career?

“He was world renowned for his research on TUBERCULAR meningitis, a disease that afflicted the poorest of the poor children in South Africa in the 1950s and his research into a condition called Intestinal Atresia, another disease that killed millions of children before Barnard found the cause and the cure.

On the way to the first heart transplant, he also performed the first successful kidney transplant in Cape Town.

These are but a few of his many accomplishments.”

Does South Africa have the potential to produce more pioneers like Chris Barnard?

“Indeed the country does, Elon Musk comes to mind as a recent example.”

If you are interested in the pulse-racing biography, it will be available to buy from all good book stores on Monday 4th December